Vow Renewal | Hyelim & Noah

Tell us a little about yourselves!

I’m (Hyelim) a Korean with Ecuadorian roots and moved to Alabama for college, where I met my best friend/husband, Noah. We’ve been together since 2017, married in 2021 and wanted to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary with an intimate vow renewal in the mountains, just the two of us!

I’m a wedding photographer and naturally love bridal fashion and wedding design so I also started a wedding styling business called Enamora. I took this opportunity to showcase my design skills incorporating big and small details that are incredibly meaningful for us.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We always loved the mountains. We live in the city so we wanted a peaceful getaway in the Smoky Mountains in Bryson City, NC. I looked far and wide for an Airbnb that had a Tuscan look and was so lucky to have found our rental that was driving distance from us!

How many guests did you have?

Zero!

What was your budget?

Around $20,000.

Tell us about your outfits.

I knew I wanted a white gown and a headpiece but didn’t want to wear a veil- it felt too “wedding-y”. I knew I wanted some sort of a headpiece and when I saw Gracie Abram’s 2025 Grammy look, I immediately fell in love with the hood. I went to Ivory and White in Birmingham, AL (where I got my wedding gown 5 years ago) and my bridal consultant/stylist, Kristen (who is also a previous bride of mine, turned friend) brought my vision together in the most perfect way!

I also wanted a casually beautiful getting ready outfit and when I saw the Mai Dress from Huong boutique, it immediately reminded me of the Korean traditional undergarment and knew that I HAD to wear it for our vow renewal!

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

Incorporating details that represent us who we are as individuals and as a couple. Keeping it intimate, just the two of us soaking in every second of the day. On our actual wedding day 5 years ago, I was so stressed all day I hardly remember anything! So for our vow renewal, I wanted to make new memories celebrating our marriage!

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

The Korean traditional tassels that I used on my bouquet and had Noah wear on his pants.The onyx necklace we got in Ecuador (It was Noahs’ first time visiting my hometown that trip) that Noah wore. The getting ready dress that resembles a Korean traditional underdress.Ranunculus in my bouquet (we mainly used ranunculus in our wedding). Vows written on a Korean traditional mulberry paper called Hanji that we folded up in a criss cross, how my mom and sister taught me to fold paper as a kid.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Slow down, take a breath, and take in every bit! The flowers will be done, the DJ will arrive, plates will be laid out- just focus on enjoying your day instead of stressing of the small things! You’ll be marrying your best friend and that’s all it matters. Talk to your guest, laugh with them, cry with them, celebrate with them!

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

Maura Davidson Photography  took our honeymoon photos in Chattanooga 5 years ago, so her documenting our 5 year vow renewal was so incredibly special for us to reunite! Such a talented angel.

Anna from Always and Forever Films absolutely knocked it out of the park with our video. I looked high and low for a videographer who I knew would deliver my vision and was so thankful when I found Anna!

Shandyn from Sweet Briar Florals executed my vision to absolute perfection. Her and her assistant/sister stayed with us the whole day to make sure the florals are looking perfect and their presence just made everything so much more joyful!

Photographer: Maura Davidson Photography @mauradavidsonphotography | Planning & Styling: Enamora @enamoraweddings | Flora: Sweet Briar Florals @sweetbriarflorals | Videographer: Always Forever Films @alwaysforeverfilms | Ceremony & Reception Location: Bryson City, NC (Airbnb) | Hair & Makeup: by Hyelim | Cake: by the couple | Dress: Custom Monique L'huilier | Suit: Blazer & Shirt: Orttu; Pants: Phix | Getting Ready Look: Huong Boutique | Reception Look: Arcina Ori | Engagement & Wedding Rings: Tacori | Shoes: Badgley Mischka (Flats); (Heels) Charles & Keith | Reception Veil: KseniaFaithVeils from Etsy | Traditional KoreanTassels: BohCraftFabric from Etsy